CNN: President Barack Obama’s approval rating is on the rise …. In a CNN/ORC International Poll out Tuesday 49% of Americans approve of the job Obama’s doing in the White House, up five points from last month, with 48% saying they disapprove, down six points from mid-November …. The 49% approval rating is the president’s highest since May, when his number hit 54% thanks to a bounce following the killing of Osama bin Laden.
More here
****
Greg Sargent: Yesterday the Washington Post released some new poll data …. it showed President Obama holds a 15 point advantage over Republicans on helping the middle class, and a 17 point edge among independents on the traditional GOP signature issue of taxes.
It would be premature to place too much stock in one poll. But CNN has just released a new survey with equally striking findings - ones that suggest that Obama’s new populist offensive, including the pressure on Republicans over the payroll tax cut, is working, and winning back middle class voters in big numbers.
More here
****
Chris Cillizza: President Obama’s resurgence in a new Washington Post-ABC News poll is built in no small part on a growing sentiment in the electorate that he is fighting for the middle class. Asked who they trust more to protect the middle class, 50 percent of respondents chose Obama while just 35 percent named “Republicans in Congress”.
That’s the widest margin the President has enjoyed in Post-ABC polling on that question since December 2010 and is a vast improvement from an early November survey in which Obama had just a four-point edge over Republicans on the “protecting the middle class” question.
Dig deeper into the numbers and it’s clear that the President’s middle class messaging is resounding in the critical center of the electorate. Among independents, 49 percent trust Obama more to look out for the middle class while 32 percent side with congressional Republicans. Self described moderates opt for Obama by a wide 58 percent to 26 percent margin.
More here
****
CNN: President Barack Obama’s numbers are on the rise in two important indicators of his reelection chances …. A CNN/ORC International Poll out Tuesday indicates the president’s margins have increased against five possible Republican presidential challengers in hypothetical general election matchups….
….. Obama leads Mitt Romney 52%-45% …. Romney held a 51%-47% margin over the president in last month’s survey….
…… Newt Gingrich doesn’t fare as well against the president with Obama up by 16 points, 56% to 40%. Last month Obama led Gingrich 53%-45%.
More here
****
The Jewish Daily Forward: Top-level Jewish fundraisers from President Obama’s 2008 campaign are sticking with the president in 2012.
Despite reports that President Obama faces a loss of Jewish funders due to his Middle East policy, analysis of a list of elite bundlers from his 2008 race shows no defections among the president’s top Jewish supporters in 2012.
In 2008, Obama’s elite “bundlers” - fund raisers who collected more than $500,000 each for the president’s campaign - included many prominent Jews … all of them have returned on the 2012 campaign’s list of volunteer bundlers, or are confirmed to be fundraising for the campaign. And a handful of new prominent Jewish bundlers has joined the elite group this year for the first time.
More here
****
Business Insider
Business Insider
****
Washington Post: Unemployment rates fell in 43 states in November, the most number of states to report such declines in eight years.
The falling state rates reflect the brightening jobs picture nationally. The U.S. unemployment rate fell sharply in November to 8.6 percent, the lowest since March 2009. The economy has generated 100,000 or more jobs five months in a row - the first time that’s happened since 2006 …. The drop in unemployment rates in 43 states marked the most number of states to show declines since October 2003.
More here
****
WSJ: The Obama administration has approved a pair of renewable energy projects being developed on public lands in Arizona and California.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Tuesday his department has approved a 300-megawatt solar farm southwest of Phoenix and a 186-megawatt wind farm east of San Diego.
….. The latest projects are the 24th and 25th renewable energy projects on public lands approved in the past two years….
More here
****
White House: House Republicans are refusing to extend the payroll tax cut, which expires on December 31. If it does, taxes will go up for 160 million working Americans. Nearly everyone - from President Obama to Congressional Democrats to Republicans in the Senate - is committed to making sure that doesn’t happen, but a faction in the House is dragging their feet….
…. What does $40 mean to you? What will you and your family have to cut or go without if Congress refuses to pass the payroll tax cut? Here are some of the stories we’ve collected so far. Tell us your own story here, or tweet @WhiteHouse with the hashtag #40dollars, to help us add to the list.
****
White House.gov
(CNN) – House Speaker John Boehner asked President Barack Obama in a letter Tuesday to order the Democratic-led Senate to appoint negotiators to work out a compromise with the Republican-led House on a payroll tax-cut extension.
http://politicalticker.blogs.c...
What a freakin’ wimp. Honestly, just do your own darn job, Boehner. PBO can’t be leader of the Senate and House, too. GEEZE.
Makes you wonder whether he’s able to wake up, brush his teeth and tie his shoes without the president’s help…:-8
Or wipe his own ass !
That’s gonna be hard to do with Cantor hanging out of it.
oops:
HaHaHaHaHaHa HeHeHeHeHeHe
OMG. I thought I’d had the ishiest comment of the day…..LOL.
Tell it like it is, yardarm! I truly love your Zingers.
What a pile of…I wonder if there were tears on the letter.
He can sure get himself to that tanning bed and the fundraising cash bars.
And then if President Obama “ordered” the Senate Dems to do anything, the Rs would say he thinks he’s in charge of Congress (and not just the head of his party).
But, ya know, with all of Chips’ good news and all that’s “out there,” people are catching on to these never-bleepin’-ending games.
If the polls and other good news are to be believed, it seems the Whitehouse messaging is just fine.
Yes, steady and consistent. They never steer off course. President Obama sure can pick ‘em!
Can the President “order’” the Senate to do anything?
He wants PBO to act like the “dictator” that the more unhinged members of his caucus always accuse him of being.
He can only call them back in to Session..He cannot order them to participate .
Better yet, I’d like to know if he has the authority to fire them all (Congress) or do they have to all be recalled?
I wish the President would send Boehner a letter back telling him HELL NO! I will not , we had a deal already work out.
But like the coward you are you back out of it.
No, the letter should just say “Um, what part of Separation of Powers don’t you understand”?
And what happened to the supposedly Constitutional based teabag party? They may have loudly read the Constitution on the floor of the House of Representative, but apparently they did not understand any of the words they read.
Boehner has got to be the worst speaker ever. I mean what the hell, I can’t wait for him to be gone already.
He only wants the president to get involved so as he can blame him later.
Exactly.
Or blame him if he doesn’t help as it is his fault for not wanting to help them help Americans have a tax break. Either way it is the blame game by the GOP.
Translation: Help Mr President!! Help me get out of this trap I stupidly built and walked into. Help me tame my own caucus.
Worst. Speaker. Ever.
This is exactly it, derbingle. The Senate Dems did their job. It’s Boehner who hasn’t done what he needs to. There is absolutely no incentive for the president to bale this idiot out. Nobody should step forward to help him. He should be left out to dry and get all the blame himself.
I hope there is a special place in “hell” for him and the GOP in general. My heart goes out to the unemployed, to the sick and to those dependent on every dollar who will be severly affected by this tax increase. This is a new low for the GOP. I don’t know how they can live with themselves.
The devil doesn’t want them. He’s afraid they’d lrt his fires go out!
FABU!!!!
I just LOVE the photos of PBO looking out windows, be it AF1, the WH or any other setting. Expansive mind.
To me, it’s also a little bit like the kid with chicken pox who has his nose pressed up against the windowpane, asking WHEN he can go out and play again. (This is a little because I think of PBO as my “second son.”)
I look at the President looking out the window probably wishing he was there in Hawaii with his family, instead of trying to deal with those idiots on the Hill. Love that picture of POTUS and FLOTUS. We have to keep POTUS in our prayers.
Father, in the name of Jesus bless this precious First Family, I call each one by name-President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, First Daughter Malia Obama, First Daughter Sasha Obama, First Grandmother Mrs. Robinson and First Dog Bo Obama for you to guard and strongly protect them. Lord, always keep them safe from any and all hurt, harm or danger. Let them always be in the right place at the right time. Let the ministering spirits protect them. Keep their hearts and minds and spirits sound. Shower them with Your continued love and favor. Thank you Lord God Amighty in Jesus Name , AMEN!!
Amen.
Amen. That was a beautiful prayer.
AMEN!!!!
God speed. Amend. So eloquently stately and evidently heartfelt.
Whoa……..um, I am quite sleepy and full from an ice cream float (butter pecan & orange pop). Let’s try this again. Amen. So eloquently stated and evidently heartfelt. I guess that’s better! LOL…………………
vitaminlover, thank you for that prayer for POTUS and his family.
You are so very welcome!!
Thanks for the round-up. Press on.
First?
All good news, is any being reported by the ‘liberal’ media
Nope. They don’t have to. The thugs have a gun and they keep shooting themselves. The Prez is just making sure they have enough bullets.
Hello everyone! School is over for the winter break…have lots of catching up to do here….thank you, Chips! So much good news! We can never get enough of that
Boehner Appoints Payroll Tax Negotiators Who Have Voiced Opposition To Cut
Reps. Dave Camp (R-MI): Asked about a payroll tax holiday extension in June, Camp said, “I’m not in favor of that.
Rep Kevin Brady (R-TX): Last week on Bloomberg News, Brady said, “I’m not as big a fan of the payroll tax cut,
Rep. Tom Price (R-GA): Asked about the payroll tax cut in September, Price replied, “it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. (one of my least favorite )
Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC): In late November, Ellmers said, “Payroll tax holiday, yeah sure, that’s okay… We don’t need more gimmicks.
Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY): Earlier this month, Reed said, “I would like us to look at alternative options.
And it’s not just the conferees. House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) called the payroll tax holiday “sugar-high economics,” while House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) said he “has never believed that this type of temporary tax relief is the best way to grow the economy.”
http://thinkprogress.org/
All the more reason why these people should just be left alone to talk to themselves. Why waste any Democrat’s time in a meeting with idiots who have no intention of actually negotiating. They just want to kill the bill.
Woot! Woot! Woot! Doing an Irish Jig here Chips at the plethora of good news. This is shaping up to be like last December when the GOP thought that they had gotten the best of PBO and lo and behold PBO got the nation nice christmas presents in the form of DADT repeal, Healthy Hunger-Free Child Nutrition Act, Payroll Tax Cuts, FDA and EPA retaining regulatory power, and Unemployment Insurance extension. Then he surfed all the way to Hawaii.
“Doing an Irish Jig here Chips at the plethora of good news.”
Is that you on the left UT?
Awww look at our Chips there on the right. The lovely redhead. You’re so cute sweetie!!!
What does the kid on the right think he is doing ? Run kid, run.
The more information you give us Chips the more we want to work to get him reelected. Keep up the awesome work, Chips.
Amen Don.
I absolutely love President Obama.
Same here.
All of the good news is just as I expected and always believed. Good policy works when given time, and people do get it when they see how their lives and the lives of friends and family improve as result of sound policy. While so many others are only focusing on the noise and sound bites of the moment, our president is working on all fronts to bring the change that he promised. He told us that it would be hard, that there would be set-backs and false starts, however, he also said that he ( and his administration) will press on and that he will not quit.
So happy to be living in the age of Obama.
Wow! - Talk about a Good News Day!
You’ve out done yourself Ms. Chips. Off to share everywhere
Al Giordano (from his Facebook page)
“I actually did engage Greenwald, the “Joe McCarthy of the faux-left,” a couple of years ago when I published his asinine emails to me. He was really upset about that. Wittes, though, is right. Writing the same boring whiney column over and over again for six years is the entirety of Greenwald’s body of shoddy workmanship. When he passes from this world, there won’t even be enough accomplishment to patch together a five paragraph obituary. Greenwald is scum and people who believe him are gullible saps.”
Al then goes on to recommend this article: http://www.lawfareblog.com/2011/01/why-i-wont-engage-glenn-greenwald/
Wow. Well said. But I wouldn’t want Al to go after me!
Damn!
You know I only had to read one of Greenwalds’ column to know he was a fraud. Just one time. He takes way too long to make a point in his column. He manipulates wording to get a specific reaction or to obscure the facts and the way he denigrates people who don’t agree with him is a turn off. If anyone at anytime defends POTUS you are either a shill for the administration or a cultist. Oh and his fans? You want to talk about bots? TPM used to have a section on their site where readers could write their own blogs and this is where I first came across the name Glen Greenwald. Not a day went by where I didn’t see this phrase from a number of commenters “Greenwald says” or “Glen Greenwald says…..” AAARGH OMG it was so annoying. I’m thinking to myself, ‘do you have an original thought or another source besides Greenwald?’
I have the utmost respect for Al Giordano as a journalist. Thanks also, Tien, for the link to the lawfare blog. The author of that piece captured the essence of Glen Greenwald. I am glad he has stopped wasting his time trying to respond to the narcissism of Glenn Greenwald.
Thank you, Al Giordano! SNAP!! That chap needs KUDOS! Funny, glenn scurried across my mind when I was reading all the great news about our Country and that means it’s good for PBO.
Good find, Tien! glenn does have a lot of waldsuckers. Good way to rout out those who, for whatever reason, have no mind of their own.
And, thanks to Benjamin Wittes, too!
Look at what he did to BWD. He is not civil in his attacks of a particular POV.
As the crazies fuss and fume - lets listen to our President from the Osawatomie speech
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – On Wednesday, Dec. 21, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will hold a press conference to discuss the $20 million TIGER III grant awarded to the Missouri Department of Transportation and the CityArchRiver 2015 initiative. They will be joined by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, Missouri Department of Transportation Director Kevin Keith and St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay.
The Department of Transportation announced that 46 transportation projects in 33 states and Puerto Rico will receive a total of $511 million from the third round of DOT’s popular TIGER program.
http://www.doi.gov/news/mediaadvisories/Secretary-Salazar-and-Transportation-Secretary-Ray-LaHood-to-Hold-Press-Conference-on-20-Million-TIGER-III-Award.cfm
Actually, it’s untrue to say that there was no bad news today. I got my hair cut and I look like an upside down saucepan:
I’m trying to imagine it but somehow, the image just won’t materialize.
You got a Mullet ? Ohhhhhhh…… Nooooooooooo !
Pretty nice saucepan…your hair must be gorgeous!
Thank you desertflower, in time I will get used to it being on my head.
That’s a classy saucepan!! I just had the opposite experience. My hairdresser moved away and I’ve been looking for another one. Yesterday I got one of the best haircuts I’ve ever had. He really took his time and cut it into a short modified bob with side sweep bangs and completely styled me out!! I’ll send him your way.
Don’t worry…it grows back
Beauty comes from the inside, not the pot on your head….and if beauty comes from the inside….you are absolutely stunning!
My sister just made me laugh—-she tried a new hairdresser recently and was not at all pleased with the new results—-too short. And she said she knows it’s really bad because she sees the eyes of everyone she talks to look up at her hair. She said, “No one can look me in the eye. They’re all staring at and talking to my hair!”
The one saving grace—-hair grows—-eventually.
Here is more bad news, chips
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70727.html
omg, onoz.
Heh
Had to take a break from wrapping presents before I went mad.
Happy about this! Heh heh heh!
So sad. How could such a stellar candidate not have found a place in the Republican clown car. He looks as if he would fit right in. The Libertarian Party must be so proud of this new standards bearer.
Here is the interior dept summary of the renewable projects approved-
In the past two years, Salazar has used this approach to approve 25 major renewable energy projects on public lands. When constructed, the projects are expected to create nearly 12,000 construction and operational jobs and produce nearly 6,200 megawatts of energy, enough to power 2.2 million American homes. These projects include 15 commercial-scale solar energy facilities, three wind projects and seven geothermal plants.
Both projects approved today underwent extensive environmental review and reflect strong efforts to mitigate potential environmental impacts, such as reducing the wind project’s footprint by half and altering the solar project’s technology to reduce water usage from the 3,000 acre/feet proposed under the original plan, to about 33 acre/feet under the approved alternative.
Chuck Todd, the WH political director, is spending the whole day with mittens tomorrow, in NH.
Kiss ass some more chuckles!
Chuck Todd is spending the day tomorrow kissing Willard’s droopy old butt. He’s gonna have an “exclusive interview” with Willard the Coreless, how ex. ci. ti. ng. I’m waiting with bated breath.
I’m so overwhelmed by the prospect of WIllard in an interview that I added an extra nonsense syllable to the word exciting.
It’s okay - the mind reads what it thininks is there.
You are so funny, lisa! Always love your comments!
Google, now closing in on $1 billion in cleantech investments, has teamed up with private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. to invest in yet another one.
The two companies have bought four plants from Recurrent Energy for projects meant to feed 88 megawatts of electricity into the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.
Though the exact amount of this investment wasn’t disclosed, the companies said in a release that it brings Google’s total investment in renewable energy projects to $915 million.
http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/money-hunt/2011/12/20/google-teams-with-kkr-on-solar-investment
well color me purple and smack my fanny!! Joan Walsh is complimenting PBO? Has hunger finally driven me over the edge?
She’s on Rev Al’s show and he won’t be entertaining any PUMA talking points when it comes to our President.
Precisely! Just wait, she will be on Ed Shultz show saying the President hates the base! Lol!
As long as somebody makes her SHUT UP ALREADY on some of the shows, I’m good.
Americans elect just got on the California ballot with 1.6 million sugnatures.
Who the hell is signing these things?
Bet it was mostly republicans, just trying ti cause problems.
Right now, it’s not important. The Republican guy (can’t think of his name) is the only candidate. There are always other parties, e.g., Green, etc. As long as Repubs are the only ones jumping on the AE it ‘s good for the Dems.
Dirty money is backing that group….it will be exposed
Sorry if someone has already posted this, but here is the clip with Goldie Taylor & S E Cupp from Martin Bashir’s show today.
Goldie Taylor ‘Sick And Damn Tired’ Of Republicans Failing To Extend Payroll Tax Cut http://tinyurl.com/choutny
I just watched that clip, and I’m glad Bashir and Goldie Taylor called out S.E. Cupp for using talking points regarding the Senate compromise of the payroll tax cut extension. What S.E. Cupp and the right wing refuse to accept is that the Republicans have painted themselves further into a corner and have given President Obama and the Democrats the leverage they need to demand a clean 12 month extension, which is what they wanted in the first place. This echoes the debt ceiling fight from the summer, when President Obama postured for even MORE cuts than Boehner or McConnell, and both of them blinked and proposed smaller debt ceiling packages.
SippyCup is a complete moron.
I saw Ms. Taylor on Bashir show and I loved it when she told that woman off. Loved it.
I saw it too. Good thing they weren’t in the same studio. Semper Fi Goldie!
Saw it at lunch time and was screaming at the TV because that other woman was LYING thru her teeth and thank goodness Goldie was there and was not afraid to call her on it, firmly. I couldn’t believe it and Martin had his mouth open in disbelief. Just like on Rev Al show when that Repub was standing there attempting BS and would not answer directly but was dancing. Melissa Harris’s jaw wasn’t the only one’s dropped.
These people are getting more desparate.
Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice!
haven’t seen that movie in a while.
It’s on now the logo channel!
I just wanted to post a few threads late. I lost my internet for a day. Someone posted a story about Highland Park in Dallas and all the money the GOP gets from them. I just wanted to give you a little insight. I worked and my son went to a very elite private school in Dallas. Many of our friends are from that area and the private school that they all went to. Yes, many are GOP supporters but their sons are NOT. The student newspaper that came out just after Rick Perry announced is candidacy did a poll on who they would vote for President in 2012. The President tied Romney and beat everyone else. There was also a story of an Alumni that works in the Obama Administration. Texas can go blue…they just need a great ground game.
Wonder if all those Ron Paul lovers know any of this??
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2011/12/20/392728/paul-everything-is-unconstitutional/
Should the GOP primary electorate ultimately choose Paul as their nominee, however, it would be the clearest possible sign that they want to remake this country into a much meaner and more cruelly indifferent nation than the one nearly all Americans grew up in. Rep. Paul does not simply want to repeal most of the 20th Century, he believes that nearly everything America does is unconstitutional.
So does Mike Lee, junior Republican senator from Utah — an unbelievable blockhead that only Utah could produce.
If you still have questions, must read on NDAA:
http://www.lawfareblog.com/2011/12/ndaa-faq-a-guide-for-the-perplexed/
and
Why I won’t engage Glenn Greenwald
http://www.lawfareblog.com/2011/01/why-i-wont-engage-glenn-greenwald/
Tell Groan-Wald I said go to hell!
BWWWAAHAHAHAAAA! I love it when you just blurt that out, hopefruit.
Nice!
Ta-Nehisi Coates on Ron Paul:
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/12/ron-pauls-shaggy-defense/250256/
The Racist Newsletters Return To Haunt Ron Paul
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/the-racist-newsletters-return-to-haunt-ron-paul.php?ref=fpnewsfeed
Inside game??
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/backers-are-hopeful-obama-will-suppor Sounds like a plan to me!
This will definitely fall in the House. They are wasting time purposing it.
Everything falls in the House. I think the point would be to put it out there so the citizens would know who’s on who’s side.
Sometimes politics are a rugby match. Sometimes a fencing match. This would be a wonderful feint to knock the GOP on its heels — again.
Of course, I could’ve done without Suzie Madrak’s perennially snarky attitude. Guttersnipe.
Agreed. I’m not a fan of Ms. Madrak’s.
She’s a bitter pathetic PUMA.
Don’t like her one bit.
Gingrich insulted by Iowa voter: called “you’re a fucking asshole” directly to his face by big burly hunter.
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/gingrich-comes-full-circle-as-iowan-calls-him-f-king-a-hole-to-his-face.php
Awww…..that is just…………………………HILARIUS !
More troubles for Newton Leroy….and it’s bigger than being called an effing asshole!
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/20/gingrich-accused-of-illegally-profiting-off-campaign/
Whoever said that, Jenny, gets points for honesty. One look at Newton Leroy and he probably couldn’t help himself.
Straight talkers, those Iowans!
Too bad for mr republicon that all his candidates are..not just newty.
Here is the WHITE HOUSE.GOV link to the $40 a week thingy
What does $40 mean to you?
http://www.whitehouse.gov/40dollars?utm_source=122011&utm_medium=topper&utm_campaign=daily
Newt has been ethically shady for as long as he’s been in politics. Scamming, skimming, grifting is his way of life. This whole presidential campaign has been a big grift to help sell books an put money in his pocket. That he was taken seriously by the Republican electorate for even a nanosecond is an indication of how low their standards are. Back in the 90′s we thought we had gotten rid of this guy when he was drummed out of his Speaker role. When the dirt sticks this time, I hope we won’t have to see his face again.
Saab files for bankruptcy
By Paul A. Eisenstein | Mon, Dec 19, 2025 2:51 PM EST
Victor Muller, the Dutch entrepreneur whose small firm purchased Saab from GM personally appeared in the Vanersborg District Court, in southwestern Sweden, this morning to hand in the bankruptcy papers. The move came days after Saab had won one last reprieve, the court firing the original administrator and giving the automaker a chance to come up with a workable deal with the Chinese automaker Zhejiang Youngman Lotus, which had offered to purchase Saab outright.
While Muller didn’t speak with the media, a statement from Saab suggested that General Motors was to blame for the company’s final collapse. But GM reiterated its position that it would not support a Chinese takeover. Such a move would threaten the U.S. maker’s own presence in the booming Asian nation – and would do so using GM’s own technology, since it continued to provide the powertrains for most Saab products and even manufactured Saab’s new 9-4X crossover at a plant in Mexico.
~snip~
http://autos.yahoo.com/news/saab-files-for-bankruptcy.html
PLEASE circulate:
FACT SHEET: Understanding the Impact of Republicans’ Refusal on Short-Term Extension
http://democrats.waysandmeans.house.gov/press/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=11982
Supreme Court sets dates for health reform case
December 20, 2025 | Mary Mosquera, Contributing Editor
The Supreme Court is considering four legal questions to be argued for a set time over the three days.
• March 26: Whether the Anti-Injunction Act bars the lawsuit that challenges the insurance coverage mandate before it goes into effect in 2014 (1 hour);
• March 27: Whether Congress has the power under Article 1 of the Constitution, or the commerce clause, to regulate economic inactivity in order to mandate minimum coverage (2 hours);
• March 28: Whether Congress exceeded its powers in mandating minimum coverage, and if so, is the law in its entirety invalidated or to what extent can the individual mandate be separated from the remainder of the law (1½ hours);
• March 28: Whether Congress exceeded its powers by forcing states to accept an expansion of Medicaid costs and administration under pain of losing Medicaid funding (1 hour).
http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/supreme-court-will-hear-health-reform-case-march-26-28
Justice (uncle) Clarence Thomas should recuse himself from these hearings.
What? NBC news reporter arrested for DUI after leaving a party hosted by Jerry Sandusky’s lawyer.
http://www.whptv.com/content/Sandusky/story/NBC-News-reporter-arrested-for-DUI-after-party-at/QAp1BWeOj0ahMtppWcwHuA.cspx
Wow, just wow.
PBO can’t get any higher ratings around our house, he has been at 100%, heck, who am I kidding, he has been at 150% all along the path we travel! Finally home, shopping done, ready to read and laugh a little! Hi everyone! HiYa Chips!
Same in my home. I’m listening to Randi Rhodes on a re-broadcast and a caller made an excellent point which I hadn’t even thought of. She said the rethugs claim PBO is over-spending, but she said that he’s not because he put the cost of the wars in the budget, and Randi says, yes, he is a pay as you go President. I guess I had’nt kept up with all the details, but they were so correct. Randi also says she wonders why PBO isn’t mentioning this aspect, or maybe he’s saving it for debate. I’ll just be glad when he comes out with the onslaught of facts in the face of all the disinformation and straight out lies. I was not in a good mood today, looking at no raise until possibly 1st quarter 2012, and the possibility of higher taxes on top of higher health insurance co-pays and premiums, I felt like kicking a rethugs ass.
Thanks Ed. We could contact the White House and mention that PBO could emhasize that he’s a “pay as you go President” more.
Nice.
Exposed: A Spammer Fooled MSM & America with Edited NDAA Video
December 20, 2025
By Sarah Jones
So this is rather embarrassing. It turns out that the edited NDAA video of Carl Levin that was inaccurately cited in the mainstream media as proof that Obama wanted to detain US citizens was originally posted by a spammer. As we know, the President did not ask for language giving him the right to detain US citizens, he asked for the opposite. But that story wouldn’t get very many clicks for a spammer…..
Thanks to the hard work of several writers, we now know the truth behind the tin foil hat insanity trip of the edited Levin NDAA video that went viral. Congratulations, mainstream media – you got PWNED by a spammer.
~snip~
http://www.politicususa.com/en/edited-ndaa-video
h/t Matt Osborne and Allen Brauer
My bullshit meter went off as soon as I Googled the video. Every result led to some far left site with this “ooga booga” look at this writing in the post.
Thanks for that CC~ I thought breitbart actually did it. I have not heard of these “spammers”. I hadn’t see the vid either …and know I would never believe the Obama Admin would do anything like that. Bet, ol waldsuckers got their rocks off.
As I wrote on politicususa.. Is Jules Manson aware he has a big ol shitata all over his face?
The cowards just left the House….CNN is BREAKING with this.
What’s the news?
They (REPUB) were saying they would stay to keep pressure on the prez and the Senate…but CNN just reported they adjourned and left for the holiday break. I’m guessing Dems and Reps
Cowards indeed. If they left and are not expected back until 2012, which I think is the case. They should all be fired.
Can’t stand the heat.
Dana Milbank reported earlier tonight on MSNBC that they were getting so much heat they decided to sneak out of town as soon as the evening news concluded.
Can the President make a recess appointment now that they’ve adjourned? Richard Cordray perhaps?
so what happens now with payroll and UEI ? Are these people for real? How can they leave without any consideration for 160 million Americans?
This is what CNN posted “U.S. House completes business and leaves for holiday break, leaving unresolved the fate of a payroll tax cut extension” Lisa, I’m thinking its over. None of the sides will budge (the Dems rightly so) but the House GOP has cast their vote and they are sticking with it. I will say, that they are going to come out soooo bad on this one. I watched NBC nightly news’ segment on it and the optics were not good. While the Prez was dead serious and urging the Repubs to back the Senate bill, the piece also showed Boehner laughing it up with his caucus when he said that the he needs the Prez’s help. They will surely pay for this. Notice how silent the GOP Senate leadership is I’m just pissed that the people will once again be burned for the GOP’s behavior. Sure, the payroll tax cut can be retroactively adjusted, but people who depend on UI are more or less effed until they resume session in late January.
Speechless.
Is there a way to make the clip of Boehner laughing it up with his caucus go viral on the Internet?
I can’t find a youtube video but here is a link http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/boehner-i-need-the-president-to-help-out/65eaklf?from=
It starts around the 4 min mark. What a fucking asshole-excuse my french. These smug bastards. I can’t wait till the come crashing down in November.
Thank you, LOL!
This is what really bother me, too, LOL. The taxes cuts and the reimbursements to Medicare can be made retroactive and will cause some disruption, but not a tragedy. But the UI extensions are critical to people’s survival. Some of the blue states might come up with some help for those who are left suddenly bereft, but I feel incredibly sorry for those who live in punitive red states. We have to be sure that every Republican Congressman feels the heat when they’re home. As Nancy says, the whole thing can be taken care of in an hour if there is the will. The House did not officially vote down the Senate bill. Their elaborate “yes” is “no” process was essentially a postponement. So it could be taken care of quickly IF THERE IS A WILL.
Should we be expecting a statement from PBO calling for Congress to come back in session?
Don’t know, but those sick fucks need to rot in hell.
I don’t think so, at least not till 2012. I hate to say it, but Politically the Dems are on cloud 9 right now. But time and time again, the president has been willing to lend a hand to the clowns in Congress. Some may call it cave….but I call it the President of the United States doing his job. Sorry to say but the President is not a good political person—he cares too much. I (sometimes)wish he didn’t …but you can’t read those letters he reads at night and not feel something. He honestly is too good for this country.
No, you’ve got it wrong. PBO is a great politician because he, unlike the repubs, understands what it means to be a public servant and that you can’t serve the public well unless you do care. The people who don’t care and are not serving the public they are the bad politicians.
I’m willing to wager that he doesn’t go to Hawaii. “I’m not going on vacation while 160m Americans are going to get a tax raise, seniors won’t be able to go to their doctors, and the unemployed will be without benefits.” It would both speak to his character, and be devastating politically.
I agree. It would absolutely put a stake in the “heart” of Republicans. They could just bend over and kiss their collective arses goodbye. Sad to see this deserving man away from his family now, but that optic would be devastating!
and to add, he has been calling for the politics to be put aside since he got inaugurated. He’s taken heat from the emoprogs and the Teabags because he isn’t playing political games and actually wants the business of the country to get done.
L3 you have me wrong. Politicians only look out for number 1-themselves and their re-election. If the Prez were a politician he would not have done health care, DADT repeal, financial regulation, etc. Rather, he would have done minor things like school uniforms ~ala Clinton and be coasting to re election right now. Rather, he showed some leadership and actually did what he promised folks he would do-regardless of the consequence. That’s why in the CNN poll, almost 80% have a favorable view of the Prez. You may hate his politics, but you know he is sincere and only doing what he thinks is right. Hell, Rahm wanted him to NOT do health care- but he did it anyway. Bill Clinton was aided by the dotcom bubble and the incompetent House republicans—this is why he is remembered with such fondness. He, did not accomplish anything close to what this president has done—and this is just his first term.
“Bill Clinton was aided by… the incompetent House Republicans.” Oh, LOL, that’s happening again. This bunch is even more out of touch than the Gingrich gang. Never has a more incompetent party been in charge of a house of Congress.
You got that right…..Like the sun rising in the east—some things are just constant.
My point is that BAD politicians don’t look out for the people they claim to represent while good politicians like PBO do. It seems as though you’re conflating the word politician with all the negative steretypes the word connotes. I, however, am defining politician in an objective way minus the stereotypes and deciding that there is a spectrum of which PBO would be first among the good politicians while just about all of the current variation of republicans would fit comfortably last among the very worst politicians.
I think so , too, L3. I like that.
I know what you mean by this, LOL. There’s two way to look this and I do like L3′s view.
Nope. He should get on AF1 and go to Hawaii.
Chips~ can we do a call to action tomorrow, blasting the GOP even though they’re gone-leaving them a nice “gift” upon their return from their holiday break.~
In light of these new poll numbers, expect the media to ramp up their effort to put it’s thumb on the scale in favor of the Republicans. The media need a contentious, horse race election next year. They’ll be trumpeting any narrative that reflects negatively on the President if it appears his poll numbers are getting too favorable.
Kathy Griffin tonight on Bravo at 10 Eastern. Her stand up show is called: Tired Hooker.
The last time I saw Kathy Griffin I had tears streaming down my face from laughing at her foolishness. She is too funny.
You mean Bravo is showing something worthwhile for once? God, I remember when Bravo and TLC were interesting channels. Now, not so much.
LL, they are re-airing one of Kathy’s old specials first ( right now in fact.) it’s the one entitles ’50 and not pregnant,’ it started at 9.
Chica, Chips, CHIPSTICKS!!! Red Alert, RED ALERT!!! Someone at Vanity Fair has seen your Mankini and raised you 12!!!!
***** WARNING!! WARNING!! ****
*** PLEASE SIT DOWN BEFORE YOU CLICK THIS LINK! YOU ALSO MIGHT WANT TO FINISH WHATEVER YOU MAY BE DRINKING ****
Vanity Fair’s Official 2012 Republican Beefcake Calendar (It’s a pdf file, so it may take a little while to load…)
That was just horrible. And, I think they were too far kind to Crispy Christie.
They HAD to do something! He wouldn’t have fit on the page.
They were too kind to all of them.
I was told that when I posted this at lunch, and my sandwich just about came out of my nose, that I should have included a much bigger warning label!!! Thanks, isonprize…you got that part covered
Hilarious!
DO NOT BE EATING OR DRINKING WHILE VIEWING THIS LINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t know whether to be ill or pass out from laughing
Rick Perry looked very, um, attractive …. and Mitch McConnell? 
ROFLMAO! Cantor, McConnell, Perry and Christie were the best (WORST)!
The Christie model wasn’t FAT enough! Very disappointed I was expecting to be completely grossed out — what a disappointment!
please don’t front page this AACK!
Desertflower. I had to warn folks. I just got in so I hadn’t had time to scroll back. Wheeew. i woulda lost my lunch if I didn’t get a warning on this mess. Whhheeeew. I’m like Chica, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry!!!
I’ll take “Laughter for $40, Alex”
apparently, this image is so damning, so sacrilegious, so defies the laws of nature that it won’t even show up on my screen.
Oh Lisa, it’s not just 1 image, it’s 12 images. 12 mankini type images of the Rethuglican candidates!
The only one they left out was Michelle Bachmann. Trust, they are so horrible until they are funny! You don’t want to look, but you just have to… 
Oh and, yes, they DEFINITELY defy (and DEFILE!!) the laws of nature!!! 8)
WOW….what a loverly Calendar! Will mail my boss a copy. NOT
That was disturbing…
Meep Meep Watch
As the House GOP revolts against its own Speaker and risks raising taxes on millions in January, and as Obama re-emphasizes the need for bolstering the economy and spreading the sacrifice more evenly … the polls are on the move:
Obama’s gains have come at the expense of the Republicans in Congress and the GOP in general. By a 50% to 31% margin, people questioned say they have more confidence in the president than in congressional Republicans to handle the major issues facing the country. Obama held a much narrower 44% to 39% margin in March.
And the GOP’s overall favorable rating has dropped to six points, to 43%, since June, while the Democrats’ positive rating remained steady at 55%. “The Democrats do particularly well among middle income Americans, while the Republicans win support only from the top end of the income scale,” adds Holland.
http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2011/12/meep-.html
I need a righteous GOPooper smackdown right now so I’ve turned to Big-mouth blowhard Ed “I used to be a repug slug.” Can’t believe the repugs! Just when you think they can’t or won’t get any more disgusting, they turn around and prove you wrong. Papa Ronnie must be rolling in his grave.
This is a drive-by post to wish everyone here at TOD a joyous Holiday season, I hope that you all have the company of the people most important to you and that when 2012 rolls around you’ll still be FIRED UP AND READY TO GO!!!
Happy Holidays TODers.
Merry Christmas Kitty!
Happy Holidays, kp!!
December 20, 2025 4:45 PM
What the House GOP conferees have in common
By Steve Benen
Now that House Republicans have rejected the Senate’s bipartisan compromise on a payroll tax-break extension, the next step, apparently, is moving forward with the conference-committee charade. It’s a joke intended to fail, but House GOP leaders have begun going through the motions.
To that end, Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said this afternoon he’s chosen eight House Republicans to work on negotiations — which probably won’t occur — with the Senate. The DCCC noted that most of them have already announced their opposition to extending the payroll tax cut at all.
Rep. Dave Camp (MI-04). “I’m not in favor of that. I don’t think that’s a good idea.” [The Hill, 8/14/11]
Rep. Kevin Brady (TX-08): “I am not as big a fan of the payroll tax cuts…” [Bloomberg News, 12/14/11]
Rep. Tom Price (GA-06): “It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.” [NPR, 9/8/11]
Rep. Renee Ellmers (NC-02): “it’s not the answer … these tiny little feel good measures. We don’t need more gimmicks.” [CNN, 11/30/11]
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/what_the_house_gop_conferees_h034227.php
Ron Paul As A Third-Party Candidate
He could cripple the GOP nominee:
As a third-party contender, Paul would draw heavily on Republicans and independents who lean toward the GOP, and less so from Democratic ranks. As a result, Obama takes a smaller (albeit significant) hit in a three-way race than either of the two leading Republicans.
http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2011/12/ron-paul-as-a-third-party-candidate.html
Ed just showed a tweet from some dumbass president of college repugs( didn’t hear what school) that said:
“My president is black, he snorts a lot of crack” ——- do these assholes never learn? what the hell is wrong with their dumbasses?
That kind of stuff just makes me tired. I guess that’s the point.
lisa, they are sick racists evil bastards.
theo67, tired maybe, but not to tired to fight for the re-election of this President.
Just makes me more resolved and determined as ever!
Obama/Biden 2012..Bring.It.On.
No - definitely motivated to fight for President Obama’s re-election!
I just can’t listen to them anymore. They have nothing more to say that I want to listen to.
She’s from the same school as the last one. In fact, this one replaced the last one at UT. Remember?the one who tweeted that even though PBO was ” the worst prez ever,” ‘y’all’ shouldn’t assassinated him….yeah, that one. What the hell in is them Texas waters?
This goes to show that no amount of learning can cure racist stupidity!
Tweeted the college republicon whacked out on crack. Get to rehab asshole.
Hey TODers
Just a quick request for good thoughts, prayers, well-wishes, etc. I don’t want to go too into detail about private matters, but I have a relative who just found out she is losing her home in only 2 weeks (and because of some shady legal dealings with property managers/attorneys, there are no real options at this point). She is also currently putting a a child through school and preparing them for college. I’m honestly not worried at this moment (even though my *own* present financial situation is pretty severe) but I’m sure she is. It’s time to dig in deep and find the strength for the nearly impossible task (moving 8 yrs of stuff in 2 weeks) and I am hoping that her financial needs are met for her and her child.
Keeping you and your relative in my thoughts. “If anything can go well, it will”
omg that’s horrible. Unbelievable how these banks/lawyers mess with people’s lives. And you said it was legal? oh man.
So sorry to hear that QO, wishing your relative - and you - all the best.
I don’t know what your religious leanings are, but when things get really tough for me, I turn to these three verses in the bible (I hope they give you some comfort):
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God”
And lastly, a little longer one:
Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”.
Quite touching. I am going through an extended period of unemployment right now like so many Americans and it is so difficult. I put so much work, time, effort, and money in getting my graduate degree - it’s so disheartening and challenging. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you Theo.
Check these shirts out guys. I think that I might order one….. http://www.michelleobamafanclub.com/
awwww….
I really like that photo.
Egypt: Women protest against military violence (VIDEO)
Lynn La| December 20, 2025 14:37
In response to the brutal attacks on women at the hands of military personnel, women gathered in Cairo today to protest the military. According to The New York Times, the protest was prompted by an incident that occurred last weekend, when footage of a woman being beaten by soldiers spread across YouTube. “The picture, circulated around the world, has become a rallying point for activists opposed to military rule, though cameras also captured soldiers pulling the clothes off other women.”
The protesters were joined with dozens of other men who gathered with the women in solidarity. The men circled around the women, acting as a “protective cordon,” and chanted: “Egyptian women are a red line.”
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/egypt/111220/egypt-women-protest-against-military-violence
This is one of the many reasons that I support President Obama…because he has a deep and abiding respect for women!~
This morning, President Obama signed an Executive Order establishing a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. You can read the Executive Order HERE (pdf) and the comprehensive plan itself HERE (pdf). This is the part of the Executive Order that is most compelling for me:
~snip
Whoa! I don’t know what happened there. Okay, here’s the rest of the excerpt. Thank you, Eclectablog and The People’s View!`
I’m particularly enamored of these parts: The goal is as simple as it is profound: to empower half the world’s population as equal partners in preventing conflict and building peace in countries threatened and affected by war, violence and insecurity. Achieving this goal is critical to our national and global security (from the U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.)
The U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security embodies and sets forth the United States’ commitment to ensuring that women around the world play an equal role in promoting peace and achieving just and enduring security. Today and in the years to come, the Obama Administration dedicates itself to bringing the ideas behind the National Action Plan to life in pursuit of this essential goal (from the Fact Sheet.)
This is more than just words or simple pandering to a specific group. This meaningful action and the Obama administration is to be commended for it.
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2011/12/pres-obama-signs-executive-order_19.html
Report: Gary Johnson Announcing Libertarian Run Next Week
Gary Johnson is reportedly finally doing what he’s been hinting at for weeks: leaving the Republican presidential primary fight and running for the Libertarian nomination.
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/updates/3003
Who?
From Politico:
The former two-term New Mexico governor, whose campaign for the GOP nomination never caught fire, will make the announcement at a press conference in Santa Fe on Dec. 28. Libertarian state directors will be informed of Johnson’s plans on a conference call Tuesday night, a Johnson campaign source told POLITICO.
I think her question was rhetorical.
Apparently, at yesterday’s progressive meeting with Ed and the gang was sooo well schooled that Ed is now gushing about PBO’s leadership skills and accomplishments. I guess that’s what having PBO’s foot shoved up your ass does for you.
This is what happens when you actually talk to the man instead of listening to all the carping from the whiny left and MSM/GOP.
Ed did that a year ago too, then went to rake President Obama over the coals again for “caving,” and is now singing his praises again. I don’t trust Ed or any of these emoprog talking heads.
Lisa I am sitting her watching Ed right now and I was just getting ready to post the same thing. Believe it or not, Ed has a big following on his radio show and some folks listen to people like Ed. I am glad that PBO gave them some time. He has been begging for this. It has been a long time since I actually saw one of these so-called progressives talk about PBO’s accomplishments.
Besides Ed’s current attitude is cancelling Tweety the fuck out. lol
Let the congregation say AMEN.
AMEN.
I feel for the middle class Americans whose taxes will go up because the Walk Away Caucus once again walked away from a compromise.
That is the meme that the Democrats should start using. I enjoyed watching Steny Hoyer name off every single time the Walk Away Caucus walked away from compromises simply because they cared more about politics than about the needs of the country. And it’s shameful that the Walk Away Caucus will blame President Obama while at the same time demanding his help and swatting his hand away. It’s no surprise that President Obama’s approval ratings have gone up while the Walk Away Caucus’ approvals are in the shitter. More Americans are seeing the kind of bullshit this President has to put up with.
With the approval rating for Congress at 7% now, we’ve actually lived to see the day that Congress approval rating is lower than the unemployment rate. Wow.
Have you tweeted that? Perfectly said.
I loved it today when Steny Hoyer started to itemize the number of times the Walk Away Caucus has walked away. It was very powerful. Every Democrat near a microphone should be repeating that list of walkaways. And I certainly hope the “Walk Away Caucus” moniker sticks.
do you have video?
Bravo re-airing Kathy Griffin’s 50 and not pregnant (starting now) as a lead in to her new stand up which starts in an hour! Love het!
Oh my god, her take down of Steven Seagal is classic!! LOL
A piece from CBS
House rejects payroll tax cut compromise
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57345655-503544/house-rejects-payroll-tax-cut-compromise/?tag=stack
and this
Obama to House Republicans on payroll tax cut: “This is not a game”
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57345703-503544/obama-to-house-republicans-on-payroll-tax-cut-this-is-not-a-game/
LA times
Capitol impasse boosts chances of tax increase
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-naw-payroll-tax-cut-20111221,0,2410010.story
White Supremacist Harpham Gets 32 Years For Failed MLK Parade Bomb Attack
Ryan J. Reilly- December 20, 2011, 4:05 PM
Kevin Harpham, the white supremacist who admitted to plotting a racially-motivated attack on a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade in Spokane, Washington in January 2011, as was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison on Tuesday.
Harpham, the Justice Department announced, will serve the rest of his life under court supervision. He pleaded guilty to two counts of a superseding indictment that charged him with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction as well as a hate crimes charge.
“Today, Mr. Harpham faces the consequences of his hate-filled act,” Laura M. Laughlin, special agent-in-charge of the FBI’s Seattle office, said in a statement. “A prototypical ‘lone wolf’ such as Mr. Harpham presents a particularly vexing threat—with nothing foreshadowing a carefully planned attack.”
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/white_supremacist_harpham_gets_32_years_for_failed.php?ref=skyboxes
Good!
Piers Morgan on the spot..in a spot! -: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/richard-adams-blog/2011/dec/20/piers-morgan-cnn-leveson-inquiry
Wonder if they caught Piers Morgan on video asking his questioners: “What do you think of President Obama?”
I mean, it’s his perennial question, no matter the issue or “the spot” he’s in. Blech.
Uhn hun…
Ex-Ron Paul Aide Disputes Paul on Newsletters
By Jeffrey Lord on 12.20.11 @ 11:07AM
In this video of Hannity interviewing Paul, at the 5:00 marker Hannity begins asking Paul about the newsletters. Paul flatly denies writing them. But never once mentions that he approved them. Instead, he directs Hannity to an article in the Texas Monthly that Paul says deals with the issue. There is not a word of this in the Texas Monthly article that Paul uses to deflect Hannity.
~snip~
“Lew Rockwell and Jeff Tucker wrote the Newsletters (with major input from Murray Rothbard and Marc Thornton). Jean McCiver edited them for clarity and grammar out of the Houston office on Nasa Blvd. Ron was merely a figurhead. But he did read them, every line of them, off his fax machine at his Clute office before they were published. He would typically sign them at the bottom of the last page giving his okay, and re-fax them to Jean to go to the printer.”
http://spectator.org/blog/2011/12/20/ex-ron-paul-aide-disputes-paul
Ron Paul is a racist bastard….
John Cole of Balloon Juice is pushing back on some twitter folks on Greenwald and that NDAA hysterics that he continues to push. Cole is saying that Greenwald is small potatoes and that people should go after the big guys who push an anti-Obama narrative everyday. I don’t want to get involved in that twitter battle but I would like to point out that Greenwald’s and Jane Hamsher’s “reporting” that the administration was allegedly torturing Bradley Manning was picked up by the New York TImes, Al jazeera and other heavy hitters in the media. So for John Cole to claim Greenwald isn’t influential is just dishonest. Shoq rightly pointed that a lot of the anti-Obama stuff (meaning lies) come mainly from Salon and FDL. Which then seeps into the MSM and liberal talk shows.
From yahoo
Insight: In tax cut debate, a focus on Boehner’s leadership
“I do sense that Boehner is in jeopardy of losing control,” said a former House Republican leadership aide, who asked not to be identified.
“He is holding on, but he is clearly riding a bronking bull. He steers the bull one way and it bucks back the other way.”
http://news.yahoo.com/insight-tax-cut-debate-focus-boehners-leadership-002027676.html
Nobody stays on a bucking bull forever. I would suggest he’s already lost control.
All the regional and political groupings on the UN Security Council have criticised Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, in a highly unusual move.
The envoys said continued settlement building threatened chances of a future Palestinian state.
They also expressed dismay at rising settler violence.
However, the US - a staunch Israeli ally with veto powers in the Security Council - did not join the criticism.
Israel has so far made no public comment on the criticism.
Israel last week issued tenders for more than 1,000 housing units in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/world-middle-east-16279947
nut-n-yahoo hasn’t learned anything.
I hate that Netanyahu and his extremists keep putting the President in an awkward situation. He wants to help them and protect them, but they keep pushing the envelope.
This story is worth visiting just to listen to Schumer. ignore the video of Boehner at the top and scroll down to Schumer at the bottom of the page. he lays it out quite well.
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/20/9585039-house-rejects-payroll-tax-stopgap-hardening-standoff
Bill Clinton: The Press Favored Obama Over Hillary In 2008
BUBBA STILL HAS AN AXE TO GRIND!! HE CANNOT BE TRUSTED!
Slick Willie is as delusional as the Republicans, the press favored Obama over Hillary??? Did Slick Willie forget how the media played out Reverend Wright and bloviated about how it wasn’t Barack’s time in 2008?
Slick Willie is one bitter fool, even his wife got over 2008 and is happily running State for President Obama. Hillary needs to tell her man to STFU!!!
He will never get over it…because once again it is all about him. I believe the Prez would have picked or strongly considered her for VP if it were not for her husband.
I’m starting to wonder if it’s been Slick Willie himself pushing the idea of PBO dropping Joe Biden as VP and replacing him with Hillary. Slick Willie proves the adage that he was the best Republican President we ever had!
When Bill Clinton was on the view a few weeks ago, my ears perked up when he refused to flatly deny that Hillary would run again. He hummed and hawed a bit - leaving a door open. I didn’t like that.
Of course Bill hasn’t forgotten how the media played out that video featuring Reverend Wright! How could he since Hillary’s campaign brought it to the media/public’s attention.
Let the healing begin Bill! After three long years harboring feelings of bitterness, envy, and resentment you’ve finally been able to get it off your chest, but it still doesn’t make your statement accurate. And the fact that you went to to Bill O’Rileme with your “grievance” is beyond pathetic…
Bill Clinton and John McCain need to join a self-help group to work through their issues from the 2008 campaign. Take some PUMA’s along with them.
I absolutely agree with you, Theo! I now feel so bad for having expended so much energy defending Bill Clinton. I should have been paying more attention to his narcissism. Given his words praising Newt Gingrich (the same way he praised John McCain during the primaries), I have come to the conclusion that Bill Clinton is more of a liability than an asset to President Obama’s re-election. I say that knowing fully well that many of President Clinton’s admirers and supporters on this site who will strongly disagree with me. On the hand, I think SoS Hillary Clinton has conducted herself admirably. She is indeed a professional who is not as petty as her husband. If she decides to run for President, in 2016, I will strongly support her notwithstanding my increasingly low regard for her self-absorbed husband.
I argued for years with my sister over Bill Clinton, once she washed her hands of him. I also feel like I wasted my time. I’m still a Hillary fan, though! I’m glad she worked with the President - it has made such a difference to have her working hard with her star power, managing all the flesh-pressing around the world while President Obama took care of things domestically. I think the combination has been stellar, and I do think that they found they agreed on a lot of their approach in the end, as they said.
I agree. Hillary has done a wonderful job as SoS! I wish she could tell her husband to stop dragging her honorable name in pettiness. She seems to have moved on from the 2008 election, but Bill’s ego just won’t let go. He wanted so bad to go back to the White House and he resents President Obama for standing in his way. As I said before, I regret my failure to pay attention to Bill Clinton’s narcissism. IMHO,Bill Clinton’s narcissism explains his reckless behavior in his personal life that almost led to his removal from office. No wonder he likes Newt Gingrich. They are both self absorbed with their supposed greatness.
I could be wrong but I still believe Bill is one of the reasons Hillary wasn’t chosen as VP. Don’t get me wrong I am very pleased VP Biden.
I could honestly care less about Bill and his ramblings. Legislatively he was a C- president. Bush jr accomplished more than he did. President Obama won without his help in 08 and will win again with or without his help in 2012.
No, Bill, the people of the United States favored Barack Obama over Hilary Clinton. The president had to fight constant media criticism and racist innuendo, but he won over the American voter, state by state and person by person. Clinton can’t accept that his day is over and his opinions are irrelevant. It is the height of classlessness for a former president to publicly criticize the sitting president from his own party. Jimmy Carter remains the prime example of a man with grace and dignity who could teach egocentric Bill a thing or two about how to live the life of a former president.
“Jimmy Carter remains the prime example of a man with grace and dignity who could teach egocentric Bill a thing or two about how to live the life of a former president.”
Well said, Jackie G!
From the NY Times
Republicans in House Reject Deal Extending Payroll Tax Cut
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/21/us/politics/house-republicans-move-closer-to-rejecting-payroll-tax-cut-deal.html?_r=1&hp
I can’t believe the House went home. Truly disgusting.
They don’t give a shit about the middle class. They are truly going to allow taxes to go up on the middle class.
Even John McCain sounded reasonable when he went on Blitzer, what does that say about how far gone Orange Boner and the Walk Away Caucus are?
Link?
McCain: Payroll Tax Standoff Is ‘Harming The Republican Party’ http://thkpr.gs/viYcyj
Ya think?
Again, my favorite quote comes to mind…
“If President Obama said he was in favor of breathing, Republicans would tell you to hold your breath!”
Can we circulate a petition demanding that members of Congress who refused to approve unemployment insurance extension for out of work workers, and refused to extend the middle class payroll tax cuts, should not be paid? I would rather my tax dollars went to renewing unemployment insurance for the people hurting because they can’t find a job instead of paying members of congress who are interested in playing political games. My view is: why exactly our we, tax payers, paying six figure salaries to these do nothing congress people, who are more interested in appeasing the Koch brothers, Rush Limbaugh and Grover Norquist than they are about taking care of the needs of ordinary people? I am tired of having my tax dollars going to pay for these teabag grandstanders! Where exactly are the Jobs they promised in 2010?
Someone just mentioned on Twitter that McCain’s only concern is for the party, not the country or its people.
Funny, for a guy who’s 2008 campaign slogan was “Country First”.
That’s not the only thing harming the Republican Party, Sen. McCain.
THIS! THIS! AND MORE THIS!
http://planetpov.com/2011/12/20/gop-tax-pledge-breaks/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+planetpov%2Fmfkm+%28PlanetPOV%29
The fraud of the Norquist no-taxes pledge has been publicly exploded now and as long as Dems don’t overlook this opportunity, the entire raison d’etre for the Republican Party will be invalidated in the minds of most Americans.
Ah, there’s the thing though. “…as long as Dems don’t overlook this opportunity…” The rethugs have been giving Dems nothing but opportunity, slow balls, but the Dems have been slicing air. Take this great “the wake away caucus” line. I’d be surprised if it gets repeated in a coordinated way for long enough by the Dems to make it stick. Wouldn’t hold my breath.
Ron Paul: Wikileaks Leaker Manning Is a ‘Hero’
By Jeffrey Lord on 12.20.11 @ 8:34PM
Well. So Ron Paul is picking up steam in Iowa. May even be a frontrunner.
And here he is (beginning at 4:06 in the video) saying of Bradley Manning, the U.S. soldier who leaked thousands of pages of classified U.S. government documents to Wikileaks, that Manning is a “true patriot” and a “political hero.”
I kid you not. Here’s the link to the video. Wait ’til Newt, Mitt, Rick, Rick, Michele, and Jon hear about this.
http://spectator.org/blog/2011/12/20/ron-paul-wilileaks-leaker-mann
So Ron Paul is praising a soldier who committed treason (punishable by death) as a hero?
And Ron Paul brags and boasts about supporting the Constitution, what a wackjob!
So I assume that, if Ron Paul was elected president, he would leak classified information to the world? In essence this is what he is saying by supporting Manning.
How will Ron Paul safeguard the lives of the troops if he becomes Commander in Chief (heaven forbid) if he’s advocating actions that put their lives in danger? These guys aren’t ready for the big leagues - their judgement is eternally flawed.
Not to worry! President Paul will legalize drugs and all will be well with the troops from then on!
A political hero who now claims DADT and his homosexuality pushed him to do it?
I still don’t know what DADT/homosexuality has to do with leaking classified info. Was there a Dan Choi connection?
No. He’s saying that the stress of covering up his homosexuality pushed him to do it. Or something like that. I read that he had an alter ego called Breena that he would use online.
He better be careful with this line of defense! All it does is encourage the right wing opponents of gays in the military. Right wingers will cite him as a clear example why gays can’t be trusted with guarding the nation’s classified information.
Latino Military Veteran Not Expected To Survive After Scuffle With Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s Officers
Nick R. Martin- December 20, 2011, 3:50 PM
A Latino military veteran is brain dead and his family is planning to decide today whether to take him off life support, following his scuffle with officers last week in one of Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s jails.
Ernest “Marty” Atencio was injured early Friday morning, just hours after the Justice Department released a scathing report accusing the Arizona sheriff of running an agency that regularly violates the rights of Latinos.
Now, a lawyer representing Atencio’s family has told TPM the man’s relatives have flown in from out of state to say goodbye. “The family has gathered and is talking with doctors,” attorney Mike Manning said. “They will make a decision today as to what to do.”
Manning is a high-powered Phoenix lawyer with a history of winning major lawsuits against Arpaio. In 2000, he scored an $8.25 million settlement in a wrongful death case against the Maricopa County sheriff. In 2006, he and his team won a $9 million verdict in another wrongful death case against Arpaio.
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/latino_military_veteran_not_expected_to_survive_scuffle_with_arpaio_officers.php?ref=fpnewsfeed
Mike Manning is an excellent lawyer. Maricopa County has paid out mega millions because of Arpaio’s policies. It is tough on us taxpayers, but there is no excuse for the bad treatment of prisoners.
Let’s ignore the fact that these have to be two of the un-coolest people in the world, but here is the surprised turtle high fiving Senator barraso AFTER the Sen Republicans struck a deal with the SEN Dems.
They sure seemed happy with the deal
they sure did
Funny that McConnell had to tell him what the hand signal for a high-five was. Dorks.
I think we should send this ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL over the universe!
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2011/12/obama-admin-smacks-down-michigan-gop.html
The federal government has denied a request by the Michigan Office of Insurance Regulation to delay a regulation under health care reform that requires insurers to return $89 million to people who have purchased health insurance.
The decision means that eight health insurers in Michigan will return the $89 million to their subscribers, said Gary Cohen, acting director of oversight with the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“After careful consideration, the evidence does not establish reasonable likelihood (that the regulation would) destabilize the market,” Cohen said in a conference call this afternoon.
“Most issuers are profitable or would be profitable once they adjust their business model” to spend 80 cents of each health care dollar on health care or related costs, Cohen said.
give back the money bitches.
I find it very irritating that, no matter how good or bad PBO polls, the pollsters always manage to say, “but he still has an uphill to climb”. PBO has not started to campaign yet and they are comparing him to these bozos who have been campaigning and having debates for months already.
Jonathan Alter ticked me off immensely with that “he has an uphill battle to climb” nonsense.
Yeah - I hate that, too. They have to inject some negativity into everything. Mark Knoller was saying that the President’s favourability had gone up “slightly” from 44% to 47%. That’s not an insignificant increase - yet, he had to add that little negative dig in there. I can’t imagine their lives are happy when they are so cynical and negative all the time.
Is Lawrence O’Donnell joking about Jon Stewart or is he serious? He keeps saying that in his upcoming segment, Stewart needs to be stopped because he’s gone too far. But O’Donnell is not giving more details.
Hey, those worried about messaging?
Seen on Twitter
@jamiedupree
Jamie Dupree
WSJ says Boehner & McConnell “might end up re-electing the President before the 2012 campaign even begins in earnest”
AND
@AVD911
Obamabot
LOL the WSJ asks How did Republicans manage to lose the tax issue to Obama? I call it the old rope-a-dope. Sullivan calls it the meep meep.
I meant for this comment to be stand alone but while I’m here hopefruit - what did Jon Stewart say?
Turns out Lawrence was tongue-in-cheek…apparently Stewart wants Romney to be the nominee so he was mocking Gingrich on his show by saying how to be the “not-Gingrich.” Lawrence on the other hands wants Gingrich to be the nominee for pure comic relief, so he was pretending to admonish Stewart for not wanting Gingrich. Whatever.
However, knowing Stewart, I personally feel that deep down Stewart wants Romney to be the nominee so that he can vote for him without feeling too bad about it.
Yeah - I think you’re right about Stewart wanting to vote for Romney.He’s had an issue with President Obama for a while, and it reached fever pitch over the Anthony Weiner “scandal”. I was done with Jon Stewart when he didn’t bother to tell people to vote during his “Rally for Sanity” nonsense - haven’t watched him since.
Haven’t watched him in about a year and don’t miss him. Also didn’t like the way he called President Obama “dude” (even though it was a joke and I know I’m way too protective).
Also can’t stand to watch Bill Maher anymore.
I can assure you I haven’t lost my sense of humor, just don’t appreciate their humor!
Bill Maher is someone I’ve never really been able to get into. I watch a couple of clips here and there, but he’s always just on the other side of dark, and he comes across as being a really mean person. He may be perfectly lovely, but I’m just not into him.
Jay Carney:
“The President is not and should not be a marriage counselor between Senate and House Republicans” LOL!!!
And Carney went on to say, “Particularly because many of them haven’t come out of the closet and don’t believe in gay marriage.” Oh crap, he really didn’t say that.
you crazy.
But that would have been funny. And bet cable news would have stopped their coverage and showed it (unlike for all the important things President Obama does here and around the world, 24/7/365).
Is it too late for popcorn?
From the WSJ: After a year of the tea party House, Mr. Obama and Senate Democrats have had to make no major policy concessions beyond extending the Bush tax rates for two years. Mr. Obama is in a stronger re-election position today than he was a year ago, and the chances of Mr. McConnell becoming Majority Leader in 2013 are declining.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204791104577110573867064702.html?&grcc=99999&mod=WSJ_hps_sections_opinion
And that from the WSJ. Good.
So, the President didn’t “cave”? /snark
So I can’t seem to find anything on Twitter talking about the payroll tax cut GOP fiasco. What’s going to happen tomorrow or did Boner and his fucked up disjointed half ass party really leave town until after the New Year?
Yeah, I think they rolled outta town… Under the cover of darkness…
No, Boehner has not left town. He’s still begging the President to save him. In fact, Boehner is drowning and Cantor is standing on his head holding him under.
So, they are still in DC? What a bunch of losers….
This is the most current thing I see out there right now - which doesn’t say much but leaves it open as that there might be still something happening in the next 10 days. However, the comments below the article are generally awesome. I like the first one:
Q. What’s the difference between Boehner and bin Laden?
A. bin Laden isn’t a terrorist anymore.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/in-gamed-vote-gop-rejects-senate-payroll-tax-cut-compromise.php?ref=fpblg
2012, I pray we can say John Boehner and his Tea Party isn’t terrorists any more either. Kick their sorry do nothing behinds out.
“Boner” overplayed his hand this time. He thought that PBO was going to be the mediator and step in and save him, so that he coud make the rounds on tv and say “I got 98% of what I wanted”. Every single pundit on Rev. Al, Lawrence, Ed and Rachel says that the repugs have backed themselves in a corner, especially with the polls showing how poorly they are doing. Even old Fineman had to agree. I watched all of the shows just to see how they were were going to spin PBO’s good poll numbers. Our good friend Joan Walsh was also positive. I had to pinch myself.
Yes, I dipped myself into the MSNBC shows tonight to see how they covered it, too. I was mostly pleasantly surprised. Even Fineman had something good to say! Shocker! Things must really be bad for the GOP tonight… lovely!
♥ ♥ ♥ Good Evening Chips! Good Evening TOD Family! ♥ ♥ ♥
Barack Obama Quote O’ The Day
Have a great night, everyone!
Thanks for tonight’s quote, PJ. Have a great night!
Lights out…….Taps.
This should help-
Gary Johnson will quit the Republican primaries and seek the Libertarian Party nomination instead, POLITICO has learned.
The former two-term New Mexico governor, whose campaign for the GOP nomination never caught fire, will make the announcement at a press conference in Santa Fe on Dec. 28. Johnson state directors will be informed of his plans on a campaign conference call Tuesday night, a Johnson campaign source told POLITICO.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70727.html
Glen greenwalds boy playing the Nader role. Nice!!!
Strangest thing, the Huffington Post is not reporting any of these positive Obama poll numbers. They were all over that AP (Fox News) poll that said 70% of Americans disapprove of the president. But for some inexplicable reason I see nothing on HP right now about these “Good news for Obama” polls. This is so odd. LOL.
When I was turning my channels I came across CNN and they were talking of their new poll numbers for the President, and it was good news. Let’s see if Morning Joke mention this. I bet you 10 thousand dollars they don’t. I could be wrong but we shall see.
The Environmental Protection Agency will unveil highly anticipated regulations on Wednesday aimed at curbing mercury and other toxic air pollutants from power plants.
The agency said Tuesday that EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will make a “significant Clean Air Act announcement” Wednesday at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. A source closely following the issue confirmed to The Hill that the agency will unveil its final mercury and air toxics standards.
Jackson will be joined at the event Wednesday afternoon by public health experts and industry representatives, EPA said. The agency did not name the officials.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/200621-epa-to-unveil-power-plant-mercury-rules-wednesday
Rep Jackson Lee says that the President should just pass the unemployment benefits and taxcuts on his own.
Here we go again!
Is she an educated member of Congress? Maybe she needs to go back to the fifth grade and take a civics class - because the fact that a member of Congress doesn’t know that the President doesn’t have that authority is frightening.
The President can’t pass the unemployment benefits and tax cuts. Believe me if he could I believe he would.
The Obama administration is taking about three-quarters of National Guard troops off the U.S.-Mexico border next year as it transitions to a more aerial-based approach on the border.
The Departments of Defense and Homeland Security announced Tuesday that the 1,200 National Guard troops currently on the border will be reduced to about 300 between January and March next year.
The Guard’s strategy on the border will shift from on-the-ground patrolling to providing more high-tech, mobile aerial surveillance with military helicopters, a Pentagon spokesman said. Border officials will determine in the coming weeks which areas of the border the remaining troops will focus on.
http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/homeland-and-coast-guard/200659-obama-administration-reducing-guard-troops-on-mexico-border
Hey Chip, Couldn’t resist; I tweeted the Jewish fundraiser info to @benpolitico heh!
ever learning and laughing here!! (sometimes cryin my poor ol eyes out, too!) thank you all!!
Boehner didn’t want to bring the bill up for a vote because he knew there were some of his members who would have voted with the Democrats and the bill would have pass. That is the work of a freaking sorry low down dirty stinking skunk. Once again this pay roll tax cut should have been pass and everyone gone home to be with their families, but once again the Republicans wanted to pay games. They are sick.
When we heard then Senator Obama speak WAY back in 2007, one thing he said that has stuck with us was “This is not a game.” These other people do think of it that way….he knows it is people’s lives and livelihoods and health and security. The Republicans have been playing like Monopoly with people’s lives. I believe the president is beginning to get through to some average people, those who think. We HAVE to get those Republicans out in 2012…..ALL of them!
Well I don’t always have time to post here on OD but it’s great to see my fellow Americans getting there heads together and in the right place. I’ll be the first to say it’s been hard the past 2 yrs seeing and sometimes talking to people who just don’t get it. I’m still trying and I hope all you guys/gals are doing the same. One heart and mind at a time and the polls will continue to go up.